Agenda item

Report from the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Care attached.

During the meeting, Councillor Tariq, the Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, along with Adrian Crook, the Director of Community Commissioning, provided an update on the Neighbourhood Housing Support Services strategy. The focus of the update was on the division's upcoming tendering exercise for two key contracts: supported accommodation and floating support services. These contracts are part of a broader initiative aimed at offering short-term, outcome-focused interventions for vulnerable adults, helping them build resilience, improve their well-being, and maintain stable housing.

Adrian Crook explained that the procurement process would soon begin and highlighted the increasing demand for such services, particularly for individuals with complex needs. This increase, partly attributed to the cost-of-living crisis, has placed added pressure on tenancy services, prompting the need for more floating support aimed specifically at single-person households.

In response to a question from a member about how the council plans to raise awareness of the services provided by Calico, the officers mentioned ongoing discussions about relaunching communications. A communication plan is set to be developed in consultation with councillors to ensure that the service is well-publicized and reaches those in need. It was further clarified that the locations where Calico will deliver services will be determined by demand, and consultations will guide these decisions.

The financial savings generated from the procurement exercise were also discussed. It was reported that the tender had resulted in a 4.7% saving for the council’s general budget. However, as Calico operates as a private company, they are not required to disclose the specifics of their pricing structures, which prompted some questions from the members.

A member inquired about the referral process, specifically whether multi-agency collaboration would be possible for individuals leaving the criminal justice system. The officers responded by emphasizing the partnerships between Calico, Adullam, and public sector agencies, including the criminal justice system. These partnerships are designed to meet the complex needs of service users, particularly those with mental health issues, ensuring that individuals receive the support required to reduce the risk of reoffending.

There was a discussion about the background of Calico and Adullam, with officers highlighting both organizations’ strong presence across Greater Manchester and Lancashire. Though they are large regional providers, their operations are rooted in local service provision, and they maintain close connections with the communities they serve.

The meeting also addressed concerns regarding the rise in complex needs among service users, with members noting that this increase may be partly due to the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing cost of living challenges. The officers emphasized that health inequalities and life expectancy issues are being examined through initiatives like the Health and Wellbeing Board, and partnerships are being developed to address these concerns more effectively.

When asked about the service's capacity, the officers explained that the supported accommodation service typically supports around 60 people per year, though some individuals stay for shorter or longer periods. The aim is always to work towards securing permanent accommodation for those individuals. It was also noted that referrals to the service can be made directly by anyone, either through the Council’s Central Access Point or by contacting Calico directly.

Lastly, there was a brief discussion on how the Council monitors the contracts with service providers. Due to the sensitive nature of these contracts, the Council has specific legal obligations and conducts regular monitoring. This includes quarterly reviews, though more frequent monitoring can be arranged if needed. The performance of service providers like Calico and Adullam is closely watched to ensure they meet the needs of service users effectively.

In conclusion, the meeting acknowledged the importance of the Neighbourhood Housing Support Services strategy and the role of both Calico and Adullam in delivering vital services to vulnerable individuals.

Councillor Tariq and Adrian Crook were thanked for their report and the detailed discussion that followed.

It was agreed:

-       The report be noted